A Plumber Explains Summertime Pipe Condensation
September 4, 2018

Thomasville, Davidson

In the warmer months of the year, a functioning air conditioner can mean the difference between riding out the heat in cool comfort and sweating through an entire summer. If you've ever paid close attention to your AC vents, you may have noticed condensation forming or water dripping from it. This moisture can sometimes alarm people, inviting fears that their unit is somehow malfunctioning or that they may have a leak in their pipes. But in most situations, condensation from an air conditioner is totally normal.Also with the warmer months your toilets can condensate making you believe there is a leak. Below, the plumbers at Baity Plumbing Co. in Thomasville, North Carolina, discuss three common scenarios that might cause worry, but are most likely nothing to fret about.

3 Common Condensation Scenarios

1. A Small Puddle Near the Drainpipe

In hot weather, an air conditioner has to work hard to keep a home cool. A natural byproduct of this effort is water dripping from the drainpipe of the A/C, which can create a small puddle or pool near the unit. Even though it may at first seem like a leak, it's more than likely not; it's just a sign that the unit is working as it should to keep your home cool and comfortable. As with your toilet condensating, the water is warmer coming into your house in turn makes the toilet sweat per say and a normal reaction when your house is cooler inside.

2. "Sweaty" Pipes & Coils

Some homeowners become alarmed when they look at their air conditioner and see what appear to be wet pipes and coils. But on warmer days where the unit is running more or less consistently, this moisture is to be expected. Pipes and coils in and around an AC unit can "sweat" when they're constantly engaged, and it's usually just another sign that everything is in proper working order to keep your space adequately cooled.

3. Water in the Drip Pan

Every air conditioner has a drip pan to catch excess water coming from the coils. On particularly hot days when the unit is running more often than not, this pan will fill up and drain. Again, it's nothing to worry about, but if the pan overflows it could signal a clog in the drainpipe. Call your local plumber if you notice this.

If you are concerned about the water coming from your air conditioner at any point, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber. Baity Plumbing Co. has been offering residential and commercial plumbing services to area clients since 1976. Call (336) 475-0921, visit them online, or message them on Facebook or Twitter to schedule an appointment with a plumbing contractor.